Profound Life Advice from Comic Strips

If someone gave you a newspaper and asked you to pick just one thing to read from it, what would you pick?

My answer: Comic Strips.

Why you ask?

1. Because they are awesome

2. Get awesomer by the day as you fall in love with the characters

3. Give you a no bullshit version of the world around you.

It’s true. Whether people realize it or not, comic strips represent that tiny-little voice inside all of us which knows what’s the right thing to do.

One more thing. Turns out they give life advice too!

Over the years, I’ve started counting on comic strips to give me that instant motivation, wisdom and courage to act. Heck, sometimes they have given me the much needed push to go and face my worst fears. And if read at the right time, they are more powerful than a hundred self-help books put together.

So here’s a bunch of profound life advice from comic strips which have made me infinitely wiser!

Perspective

If there is one thing which is common to all of us in times of crisis, its our ability to freak out and make things a thousand times worse than they are. What is needed in such situations is to put the situation in the right context so our irrational fears fall into their rightful little places.

This one from Calvin and Hobbes always reminds me of the need for perspective in life. Everytime I feel that I’m down in the dumps, or that a bad event seems like the end of the world, Calvin wakes me up by saying ‘Look around you and get real. Things could’ve been a lot worse.’

So next time you are freaking out, losing all control of yourself and blinding your decision making ability by telling yourself that you’re screwed, check this out!

Dreams

All of us start out dreaming of becoming great. Maybe not world-famous great, but someone who grows up to be a person who enjoys his/her life, someone who is happy, content and inspired at the same time!

But often, as we grow up, we forget the dreams which were so dear to us. The so called ‘real world’ with its rules and regulations ends up forcing us to choose paths which were probably never meant for us. The end result? Regret!

Cyanide and Happiness is a comic which reminds us of what’s important in life. Hold on to your dreams and strive to choose paths which enable you to do what you always wanted. If you feel absolutely certain flipping burgers gives you the maximum happiness, go for it. Better a happy cheeseburger man than a regret-filled astronaut!

Stop Thinking, Start Doing

Garfield, our favourite lazy cat might not like to do much other than sleep and eat. But hey, he gets his Zen wisdom bang on! For those of you with the disease of second guessing every decision and over-thinking, just do it already!

When in Deep Trouble, Take a Chill Pill

Hagar the Horrible. The mighty Viking warrior. Slayer of enemies, washer of his wife’s clothes. No matter how worse the situation gets, he knows how to listen to his inner voice which tells him ‘Drop your troubles to the side for a bit and chill out! The solution will come on its own!’

Make your own Rules

The Charlie Hebdo incident teaches us one thing. If your beliefs are guided by someone else’s definition of what’s divine, what’s sacred and what’s meaningful, you will end up a pathetic loser. The human race has seen more than enough people being misguided by blind faith and apparent authority. It’s time we learnt from history.

Here’s the thing guys. In the long run, it will not matter whether you made those millions or not. It will not matter if you managed to become world-famous or just remained an unknown entity. What WILL matter, is whether you were able to live by your beliefs. The beliefs which YOU framed for yourself after questioning everything you came across. The values which you defined and lived through deep understanding. What will matter is whether you had the guts to define your own rules.

Purpose of Life

During bad times, it’s easy to lose trust in the things around us and begin to question everything. It’s easy to justify impulsive actions by telling yourself you are just living in the moment and enjoying yourself.

True wisdom lies in knowing that you need to keep your head in the right place. Especially when everything else around you is falling apart. And the only way to do this is to watch what’s in front of you and deal with it one step at a time. Ironically that’s also how you stop letting momentary success get in your head!

Laughing at Yourself

This is the great thing about comic strips. They teach you to laugh at yourself! So what if my blog is not read by millions of readers, I will still air my opinions on it and tweet it like it’s the most profound thing ever said!

You’re like Clint Eastwood the cowboy when it comes to quickness in sharing and commenting I have to learn that art from you! Thank you for your kind words and constant support

Yes as you said comics are amazing and they help millions smile for a few minutes thus spreading cheer and joy which are much needed in our world today!
Cheers,
Nikshep

January 14, 2015
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satrntgr

I still love reading the comics. Even being older, it’s nice to get a smile once in awhile!

January 13, 2015
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Nikshep

Yup they transcend age and time

January 13, 2015
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balmtomysoul

This is so funny and so true! That’s why I love certain comics, because honestly there is something more there than a good laugh. Sometimes the reason they are so funny is because we can relate so much! Thanks for reminding me! #ibabloggers

January 13, 2015
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Nikshep

Hi, welcome to SUL and thank you so much for taking the time to express your views Look forward to seeing you more!

January 13, 2015
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Clearissa Coward

Love this. So refreshing!

January 13, 2015
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Nikshep

Thanks Clarissa! Welcome to SUL!

January 13, 2015
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Sandeep

Nice one Nikshep..!
I had never thought comic strips would sometimes give some insights about life…but after reading your post, I guess there is so much to relate with real life…

Hey Sandeep Nice to see you here! Welcome to SUL! I am happy you found value in the post. Keep sharing your views

-Nikshep

January 13, 2015
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Harleena Singh (@harleenas)

Hi Niks,

Let me start by wishing you a very Happy New Year, as this is the first comment on your blog this year

Coming to the post – That was interesting indeed

Your post reminded me of my school days as that was the time I used to love comic strips and some of the motivational lessons they carried with them, just as you mentioned. I don’t read many nowadays, due to lack of time, just have time enough to read through the newspaper…lol…but it’s a good reminder to get to the lighter side of life.

Thanks for sharing this with us. Have a nice week and a lovely year ahead

I often find inspiration in the comics page. And you have chosen some of my favorites.

#ibabloggers

January 14, 2015
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Lea Bullen

Hi Nikshep,

That would be my answer to. When I used to read the newspaper on a regular basis I’d always make sure I made it to the comic section, no matter how much of the paper I ended up reading.

I like that Calvin one. It’s cute and truthful. I never really thought about that but it’s so true, as things could be better they could also be worse. This kind of touches on gratitude as well as perspective.

I love a good chuckle, and when there’s wisdom included it’s a win-win.

You said it Comics are an innocent way of touching millions of people through humor, satire and a bunch of hidden wisdom thrown in 😀

I am glad you agree with the thoughts in the post and look forward to hearing more of you! Have a nice year ahead and I wish you all the success

Cheers,
Nikshep

January 14, 2015
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awazieikechi

Hi Nik

Hmm I never knew I will see someone who can be motivated by Comic strips. Well I am glad I did because I too love reading comic strips when reading the newspaper.

I have seen some of the comic strip. Who can’t forget Garfield the lazy cat. I agree that some of these comic strip do motivate and I can recall many times where I learnt some great advice from comics. Thanks for sharing.

I am so happy the posts brought back memories of so many comics that you must have read I am surprised it took me so long to write about it as I always enjoyed reading them and learning from them

Thanks for your kind words.
Cheers,
Nikshep

January 14, 2015
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Rahul Krishnan

Hi Niks,
Sorry to be late bro.
Awesome post.
OMG!! Comics contain this type of meaning??
You interpreted comics in a superb inspirational tone.
I love all the pictures you shared here with all the lessons.
I agree with you that, comics are sometimes better than a bunch of motivational books.
I am very much inspired after reading this post buddy, truly.
To be frank, I don’t know if it is due to the power of those comics or the magical words from you.
Anyway thank you so much for this unique post.
Regards,
Rahul

I am thrilled that you enjoyed the post so much and got motivated My task is done then as a blogger who loves to inspire people! I am sure 80% of that motivation came through the comics and 20% from my words 😛 (being humble here)

Keep visiting since I have so much more stuff comin up!

January 14, 2015
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Ashutosh Jha

Hi Nik,

This was indeed a great post and this is really amazing bro that a comic contains that much thought. Really it’s great to see, explaining something with the help of Comic

vira3458

What a great post Nikshep

The only thing I enjoyed reading in the newspaper was the comics section.
I loved Calvin and Hobbes, Hagar the Horrible, Garfield for its pure humor and ingesting take on life and it’s many challenges. Calvin and Hobbes were my clear winners in making my day a happy one. I still read these comics to this day for a good laugh.
I live the way you portrayed life advice based on each of your favorite comics.
Keep writing